Media

CFA Dispute Far From Fixed

Daniel Andrews claims he has "fixed" the CFA dispute, but in reality all he has done is create uncertainty and tension within Victoria's fire services in the lead-up to fire season.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), the representative for volunteers in the CFA dispute, expressed concerns at a parliamentary inquiry into the fire season preparedness yesterday the negotiations had "diminished" Victoria's fire system preparedness and response capability.

VFBV chief executive Andrew Ford told the inquiry Daniel Andrews failed to seek a meeting with the organisation at any point in the negotiations phase and that they had just one 30 minute meeting with James Merlino since he was appointed to the Emergency Services ministry.

Comments attributable to Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh:

"Daniel Andrews' willingness to risk the community in the lead-up to the fire season to pay back his union mates is astounding," Mr Walsh said.

"Daniel Andrews and James Merlino say they have fixed the dispute, but in reality all they have done is squashed all opposition to the proposed CFA agreement.

"This is far from over. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition will continue to stand with volunteers and ensure their concerns are heard."